Birthdays and Anniversaries
Click on our birthday cake to see the list of who is celebrating this month.

Hope Fund Update...
In November, 2014, the Consistory sent out a letter to members and friends of the First Reformed Church of South River, explaining that we are in a dire financial situation. We have created the "Hope Fund" to raise money so that we may continue the good works that we believe God is doing through our church. The After-School program continues, as well as weekly Bible studies, Sunday School, and a very active Youth Group.

The amount raised as of January 4, 2015 is $3,130.00. This is a great start, but we have far to go! We ask all to prayerfully consider if you are able to make a gift to the Hope Fund in this month of January, 2015.

We thank all those who have given so generously.

Farewell & Thank You to Alice Abner..."Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1)
This December our church was saddened to see Alice Abner, our Minister of Social Concern, move away after over seven years of service to this community. When we think of Alice's time here the above verse cannot help but come to mind. This is because her faithful witness here has made so much of our future ministry possible. Not the least of which is the #44 house. For years Alice has cared for and improved the property with unparalleled love as she lived in it, only to then give it up graciously when she saw the new need and promises it held for the church. Her legacy of faith here will live on as part of the "great cloud of witnesses" that Jesus uses to strengthen and encourage us against sin and towards living out the Kingdom of God among us. So we thank God for Alice continually and wish her all the best in her next phase of life.

The #44 Community House Project Needs Your Prayers...
One of the most exciting things happening here is our repurposing of the church house at #44 Thomas Street. This house, which sits on the church property, has long been the home of our Minister of Social Concern, but as circumstances have changed we have felt called to use it for a wholly different purpose. As of December 21st we were ready for the house to become a home and our church to become a family for six individuals who would otherwise be unable to have a permanent place to call home. A lot of work from a lot of people went into making this happen as we partnered with the “Reformed Church of Highland Park – Affordable Housing Corporation” and “First Friends” to find the right people and make sure they are taken care of. Unfortunately, at the last moment borough authorities decided that these individuals could not move in after all. This was deeply disappointing because it meant that each of them would spend Christmas sitting in basements and unfamiliar on couches. We first felt called to this project as an act of mercy and love for the “least of these” but it has turned into a project of justice as we seek to challenge the understanding of who has a right to live here and where the boundaries of “family” begin and end. These six individuals still have no place to call home, even though we have one to give. This is wrong and I believe that God is calling us not to abandon them, but work harder to bring them home. So please, keep each of these men in your prayers. Pray that God would soften the hearts, open minds and complete the good work God already started. In the meantime, we are strengthened by the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every chain? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house;…Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”(Isaiah 58:5-7)

Worship Music...
Worship music is like a prayer that can be spoken in many different languages together by many different people. The more kinds..... the more beautiful it becomes. We are looking to expand the way we do music so that more and more people can pray and rejoice along with us. Please speack to Pastor Mike if you have a musical talent and would be willing to help us expand our Sunday worship experience.

After School Program....
The summer movie lunch program was such a success that we are growing it into a once a week after school program during the year. Please consider offering your help in any of these ways:
1) Financial support
2) Leading an interesting or unique activity one week
3) Volunteering to help run weekly programs
4) Serving on the Board of Advisors

Monthly Sunday Morning Breakfast....
Volunteers are being sought to prepare breakfast for our monthly Sunday morning breakfast. Please see Pastor Mike if you are able to assist with this.

Worship Cancellation Plan...
In the event of a major snowstorm or other emergencies, it is possible that in the best interest of the safety and well being of our worshippers, we may cancel our Sunday morning worship services. Any cancellation decisions will be made by 8 am on Sunday morning. While this should be a rare situation, we want to make sure that our members are informed about any cancellations. Click HERE for our complete policy outlining how you can be informed.